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Alaska Airlines flight diverts because passenger tried to light a cigarette
An Alaska Airlines flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia was forced to divert, all thanks to a belligerent passenger who tried twice to light up inside the cabin. Passengers boarding Alaska Airlines' red-eye flight 1138 in San Francisco were in for quite a surprise. Over halfway through the flight, they had to divert to Chicago. About an hour before they were supposed to land in Philadelphia, pilots were forced to divert to O'Hare International Airport. "Due to a disruptive… (www.msn.com) Ещё...
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I don't understand- toward the end of the article says it's unclear if the violator will face any punishment- the law's clear....up to $2,200 for smoking in the seat and up to $3,300 for sparking up in the lav. Technically the pax could have 2 counts since this happened twice. Plus, I'd think ASA would be within their rights to bill for additional costs related to landing/takeoff + fuel, not to mention extra crew time.
Warning or put this individual on the "No fly list"?
The AUSA (Asst US Atty) will have to determine first if criminal charges would hold up in court before a jury....civilly as you pointed out Al Airlines it would be easier to get a civil fine against the individual.
Totally agree with the fact that the law is the law, although I find it curious how smoking illegally on a flight is tantamount to carrying a loaded gun. Remember that is wasn't that long ago that people smoked at liberty on flights. When it was legal, I sincerely doubt that any crashes were due to smoking, such as Cansoir suggests.
Cigarettes on a commercial flight can result in a death sentence for the other passengers. Remember the AIR CANADA fire in Cincinatti killed over 30 innocents. There is no proof that was the cause however smokers go to the aft lab for a smoke then exhale in the fan not realizing a fire detector is there. This happened before smoking was banned by the individual airlines worldwide. On a flight from MUC to YYZ a foreign passenger tried the aft lab and was caught. The RCMP were his baggage handlers.
Smoking is illegal for a REASON. Passengers are well aware of that. If you want to break the law, go ahead and face the consequences. Should this flight have diverted ? Different question, but he should be hit with all the costs involved.
